Camp Sloper Relays

Our middle school cross country team runs this race every year, although this year was not without a few hiccups.  Elizabeth and Emily were originally both scheduled to run, in two different divisions, and the race was scheduled for the end of September.  Unfortunately, violent thunderstorms were predicted for race time, so the meet was postponed for a week. Elizabeth's team pulled out and wouldn't you know, it poured on the day the race was rescheduled as well.  For JPII, it didn't matter however, as the team had its best finish ever.  Due to the size of the schools competing, our girls have never finished better than last.  This year, they were SECOND overall.  SECOND.  I just couldn't believe it.  Emily, who ran 30 seconds faster than last year to finish 20th overall, was the fourth JPII female to cross the line - which just demonstrates the depth of the girls team.  On the boys side, the top finishing boy for JPII was 13th, shaving 30 seconds off of his time from last year.  It was quite a day, with every single one of our runners turning in gritty and spectacular performances.  Once again, I am reminded of what an amazing sport cross country is.

Girls team 

52 degrees and pouring but I was able to convince every girl to shed their warm ups and run in just their shorts and singlet.  Not that this girl had much of a choice...